Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Delaware (1734–1817) who later served as Revolutionary War officer, delegate to the Continental Congress, and Governor of Pennsylvania. LS signed “Tho. M.Kean,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, May 20, 1809. Letter to John Armstrong inquiring about a legal matter, as well as a letter of introduction of another gentleman. In part: “If the Count de Taube, Envoy Extraordinary of his Majesty the King of Wurtenberg…be pleased to inform him that the Estate of Doctor John David Frank…has been managed by Mr. Peter Ulrich…with whom I have conversed on the subject; and that from the fair character of Mr. Ulrich, I have reason to hope this affair has before this time been settled…Permit me to embrace this opportunity of introducing to your acquaintance George Emlin, Jun, a young Gentleman of the Law,…whose father, an eminent Merchant here, wishes to obtain some knowledge of foreign countries, especially of London and Paris.” In very good condition, with tape repairs to several partial separations along intersecting folds, a vertical fold passing through a single letter of signature, several small edge chips and tears (some repaired with added paper on reverse), and writing on reverse slightly showing though.
McKean had left public office as the Governor of Pennsylvania only five months before composing this letter. His political resume included Declaration Signer, President of Congress, President of Delaware, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, as well as Governor of Pennsylvania. Despite his credentials, many historians describe him as being "cold, proud and vain" though John Adams described him as "one of the three men in the Continental Congress who appeared to me to see more clearly to the end of the business than any others in the body." This document serves not only as a link to Pennsylvania politics but also to one of the most important documents in America’s history. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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